Exclusive to iOrbitNews
ANGELES CITY – Filipino music artists in the live music industry are beginning to make a comeback as late night gigs and concert scenes in the country are slowly turning the corner to being out of the woods two years after the COVID-19 pandemic.
In the recent out-of-town performance of original Pinoy music (OPM) band Side A, Kapampangans were serenaded over beer and hardcore booze along with the weekend rain held at Tita Aida’s Kusina Grill and Resto Bar. According to the band’s pianist and original member Naldy Gonzales, they have been performing in Manila and nearby provinces more frequently as they also prepare for their upcoming major concert dubbed “Then and Now” at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila on September 24.
Being in the industry for more than 30 years, the band also had successions from first and second generation of members over the years. The current members of Side A now include Ernie Severino on drums, Leevon Cailao on lead guitar, Ned Esguerra on bass, and Yubs Esperat on vocals.
“We are actually performing outside Manila already. Syempre di ba pagkatapos nung pandemic, nag pick up din yung tugtugan so we’re back having gigs. As of now, twice a week kaming nag gi-gigs sa Manila,” said Naldy.
“The concert will include first gen members kaya ang title niya is ‘Then and Now’ pero prior to that we will also do a couple of shows in Ilocos and Cebu,” he added.
“Starting September we will be having a couple of shows in line with the back-to-back concert of the original members of Side A, dun sa first album nila, and then us – the current (members),” Esguerra furthered.
Naldy said the band will perform classic hits and take their audience on a musical journey throughout the years. He also shared that the major concert will include Side A’s first generation members including Rodel Gonzalez, Joey Benin, Mar Dizon, and Pido Lalimarmo.
Revealing their plan to record more songs for their fans to look forward to, Side A also introduced their new OPM single “Ibigin Ang Mundo” to the Kapampangans which bared the band’s support on environment and climate change.
Meanwhile, you can catch Side A at The Grand in Newport World Resorts in Pasay and 19 East in Muntinlupa every Tuesdays and Fridays respectively for glimpse and preview on their live performances.